Quito - La Ronda

The Ecuador Chronicles - 2009-11

Friday Night Out in Quito;

An Old Colonial Street Full of Quiteños;

And The World's Narrowest bar

La Ronda started out as a small pre-Inca and Inca footpath to a place on the Rio Pichincha for washing clothes. During the Colonial era it became an important street, a place of privilege, due to its proximity to the river. It is one of the oldest streets in Quito. In the 20th century it was home to Quito’s bohemian community, a place of painters, artists, musicians, poets, artisans; some of Ecuadors's most influential thinkers have lived on La Ronda. By the 1970's it had become a run down, dangerous place. La Ronda has recently undergone a major renovation - it is now a street of restaurants, bars, shops and live music venues. It still retains its colonial character.

La Ronda at Night

A couple of years ago Dalynda and I visited La Ronda; it was very nice, but not a lot happening. What a difference two years makes - now it is a happening place! What has made the difference - Quiteños; people from Quito are coming to La Ronda for a night out. Quito has a lot of tourists, but for an entertainment area to succeed it must attract locals - not just visitors.

On La Ronda There is Live Music Everywhere

Live Music at Vasija del Condor - Cafe-Bar Restaurante Cultural

Music in a Small Hotel Lobby; Live Music in the Street

The World's Narrowest Bar - IntePeña

Recently Juan, Matt and I went to La Ronda for an evening out. I think we happened upon the world's narrowest bar: IntePeña - Musica en Vivo. The place is narrow and goes slightly up hill, with the musician at the end.

Just to Give a Perspective

IntePeña only serves beer and Canelaso. Canelaso, an Ecuadorian favorite, consists of Canelo, a sweet herb, with high proof Caña (sugar cain) liquor.